Abstract

Objective: It is aimed to evaluate the effect of environmental tobacco smoke among active and passive smoker and nonsmoker health staff.

Material and Method: 209 volunteers were included; age, gender, occupation and smoking habits were recorded. Exhaled air carbon monoxide (CO), urinary cotinine levels and Fagerström Nicotine Tolerance Questionnaire were performed.

Results: 106 (55%) of 117 active, 66 (32%) passive smokers and 26 (13%) non-smokers were male and the mean age was 30.3 ± 6.6 (18-55). 56 (27%), 33 (16%), 80 (38%), and 40 (19%) were doctors, nurses, assistant staff and officers respectively. Mean CO level was higher in active smokers (18 ppm) than passive smokers (1.9 ppm) and non-smokers (1.5 ppm) (p=0.001). Mean urinary cotinine level was higher in active smokers (949.5 ng/ml), than passive smokers (11.3 ng/ml) and non-smokers (0.00 ng/ml) (p=0.000). Nicotine consumption in active smokers was positively and significantly related with CO, urine cotinine levels and nicotine dependency (<0.05).

Conclusion: It is concluded that environmental tobacco smoke has been found to be very high in hospitals and smoke-free hospital programs should ibe started immediately.